Liverpool release defender Jose Enrique from his contract following five-year spell at Anfield

Liverpool defender Jose Enrique has been prematurely released from his Anfield contract. The 30-year-old fullback has become a peripheral figure with the Merseysiders and the club, therefore, decided to allow him to leave a month before the end of his deal.

Enrique has managed just three senior appearances for the Reds this season and has previously been told by Liverpool bosses he is free to search for a contract with another club. The Spanish defender was reportedly earning £60,000 ($86,5000) per week with Liverpool, even though he has barely featured under Jurgen Klopp.

Enrique's last appearance came as a substitute against West Ham United on 30 January, while he has not featured in a matchday squad since 9 February. The defender is has already said his goodbyes to his Liverpool teammates following a five-year stay at Anfield, according to the Liverpool Echo.

The left-back first moved to the Premier League in 2007, when he left the Spanish side Villarreal to join Newcastle United. He made more than 100 appearances during a four-year spell with the Magpies.

Enrique subsequently moved to Liverpool, but has found first-team opportunities harder to come by in recent years. In total, he made 99 appearances for Liverpool, scoring twice.